Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 31
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
6 of 31
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 31
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κατ'
in
G2596
κατ'
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
8 of 31
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἐφάνη
appeared
G5316
ἐφάνη
appeared
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
10 of 31
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 31
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 31
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
υἱὸς
thou son
G5207
υἱὸς
thou son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
14 of 31
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 31
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβηθῇς
fear
G5399
φοβηθῇς
fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
17 of 31
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
παραλαβεῖν
to take
G3880
παραλαβεῖν
to take
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
18 of 31
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
Μαριὰμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριὰμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
19 of 31
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
24 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 31
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γεννηθὲν
that which is conceived
G1080
γεννηθὲν
that which is conceived
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
27 of 31
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
28 of 31
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Πνεύματός
Ghost
G4151
Πνεύματός
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
29 of 31
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:Matthew 28:5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,Luke 1:19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Psalms 143:8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.Psalms 119:125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
Historical Context
Dreams were recognized in Jewish tradition as means of divine revelation. Joseph's obedience despite social stigma demonstrates extraordinary faith. His decision would affect his reputation, finances, and standing in Nazareth.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Joseph's immediate obedience teach you about trusting God despite unclear circumstances?
- How can you 'fear not' when God's plan disrupts your own expectations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joseph is called 'son of David' to emphasize his royal lineage and legal right to pass this heritage to Jesus. The angel's command to 'fear not' addresses Joseph's righteous reluctance to proceed with the marriage. The phrase 'that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost' definitively affirms both Jesus' divine origin and Mary's purity.